Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on May 6, 2019

“I ain’t so tough.” –James Cagney as Tom Powers When reflecting upon the many gangster-focused films in classic cinema, The Public Enemy (1931) comes to mine as a quintessential film depicting a city’s criminal underworld in prohibition-era America. An all-talking Pre-   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on May 1, 2019

Once I made my way to the Los Angeles area again, I spent my morning doing some sightseeing at Hillside Memorial Park, Holy Cross Cemetery, and Hollywood Boulevard until it was time to check in to my Airbnb and start enjoying some pre-festival events. Excited beyond measure at attending my...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 30, 2019

“Susan’s growing pains are rapidly becoming a major disease.” —Myrna Loy as Judge Margaret Turner While Shirley Temple charmed audiences as a little girl, she also grew up on screen and carried her fine acting skills with her well into her teen roles. Though she did not rema   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 29, 2019

“Some of the young players think that all that is required of them is learning lines and speaking them when their cue comes. They stand staring at you with vacant eyes, concentrating on what they have to say, instead of listening to and concentrating on what you are saying.” –Fay   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 24, 2019

“I can be smart when it’s important, but most men don’t like it.” –Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei Lee Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) is nothing short of memorable. In addition to a lively soundrack, witty dialogue, and gorgeous costumes, it features the dynamic pairing of   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 19, 2019

“There’s nothing wrong with Ellen. It’s just that she loves too much.” –Mary Philips as Mrs. Berent In the striking and often bleak world of film noir, one will find many characteristics that repeat across the genre. While the protagonist–often a pessimistic lone   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 2, 2019

TCM is a beloved channel for classic film fans in the United States and beyond. In addition to offering classic film fans quality, commercial-free viewing, TCM is also noted for its annual Classic Film Festival held in Hollywood, California. Two milestones, in particular, are of significance this y   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 25, 2019

“Hollywood, what a place it is! It is so far away from the rest of the world, so narrow. No one thinks of anything but motion pictures or talks of anything else. And, I, too, am getting like the rest. I have not read anything for a year. I do...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on February 25, 2019

“If you want to be a success in Hollywood, be sure and go to New York.” –Bert Lahr Bert Lahr was lucky enough to have an iconic role in one of the most beloved films of all time. While many will recall his performance as the Cowardly Lion in The...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on February 4, 2019

“I have to confess that my way of singing is very much affected by my private life, or by anything that touches me personally. I am a man, not a machine.” –Mel Tormé Mel Tormé was one of the great jazz singers of his day. Nicknamed “The Velvet Fog,” he...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 21, 2019

The Gold Digger films are often characterized as the quintessential 1930s musicals. Typically featuring a backstage musical formula, the films usually tell the story of the relationships and conflicts that occur during the production of a musical. While musical numbers occur along the way, addition   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 14, 2019

“I must be the oldest living child soprano.” –Kathryn Grayson The Golden Age of the Hollywood musical allowed many vocalists and dancers to shine. Along with many other fabulous talents, Kathryn Grayson made her mark upon the genre as a charming American actress and coloratura sop   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 7, 2019

Many remember Danny Thomas as an individual who made his mark upon the entertainment industry as a nightclub comedian, singer, actor, and producer. His lengthy career included a starring role in a situation comedy, in addition to appearing in a wide range of variety shows. Though valued as an enter   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 24, 2018

“Love is stronger than life. It reaches beyond the dark shadow of death.” –Clifton Webb as Waldo Lydecker in Laura (1944) The story of romance between Laura Hunt (Gene Tierney) and Det. Lt. Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) is far from ordinary. Unlike the lighthearted affairs that initiate many a love   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 10, 2018

“The best thing about switching from being an actor to being a director is that you don’t have to shave or hold your stomach in anymore.” –Dick Powell Dick Powell was easily one of the most versatile talents of his day. Seamlessly making the transition from charming musical   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 3, 2018

“Because I’m a vivid blonde and people think of me as a chorus girl they won’t believe I’m any more than just that.” –Toby Wing When thinking of some of the top stars of the 30s, Toby Wing’s name does not immediately come to mind. A chorus girl that went...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 26, 2018

The TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt is one of the most exciting places for a classic film fan to visit. While Hollywood Blvd is always bustling with activity and tourists from all over the world, classic film fans will especially enjoy making the pilgrimage to the front of the theater. There,...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 12, 2018

“What is the law? It’s a gun pointed at somebody’s head. All depends upon which end of the gun you stand, whether the law is just or not.” –Cary Grant as Leopold Dilg in The Talk of the Town (1942) The concept of the love triangle is not foreign to classic films....   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 5, 2018

“I became a dancer in self-defense. I was doing a comedy monologue and didn’t know how else to get off, so I danced off. I’ve been dancing ever since, but I’m still a comedian.” –Ray Bolger For nearly a century, audiences all over the world have fallen in love wi   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 29, 2018

Rita Hayworth was one of the most iconic stars of her day. Nicknamed “The Love Goddess,” Hayworth’s image graced many a silver screen and was beloved by fans the world over. Margarita Carmen Cansino was born in Brooklyn, New York, the oldest child of two dancers. Her father, Eduardo Cansino...   read more